Vicki'S Goulash
Vicki's Goulash is a hearty, vegetable-packed dish featuring seasoned ground beef, rice, and fresh zucchini, tomatoes, and peppers—perfect for a wholesome family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute the ground beef and rice in olive oil until browned.
- Add salt, pepper, and garlic; cook for another minute.
- Pour in 1 1/2 cups of water, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add the sliced zucchini, tomatoes, chopped green peppers, chopped onion, and parsley.
- Cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste or a splash of Worcestershire sauce when you add the vegetables. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste; roasted garlic can impart a sweeter flavor that complements the dish well. You can also swap rice for quinoa for a different texture.
Serving Suggestions
Vicki's Goulash is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a side of Garlic Bread or a simple Green Salad. You can top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added touch. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with Bacon And Cheddar Mashed Potatoes. This dish is also great for meal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vicki'S Goulash contains roughly 1350 calories, with 54g protein, 197g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (206% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (125% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time. You may need to increase the water amount and cooking duration to ensure the rice is fully cooked and tender.
What can I substitute for zucchini?
If you don't have zucchini, you can easily substitute it with yellow squash or even diced eggplant. Both will add a different flavor but still pair well with the other ingredients in the goulash.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This goulash freezes well. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).